It’s official – 2024 is drawing to a close! With the festive season on our doorstep, December is a time for celebration, reflection, and connection, and we’re excited to share some exciting updates and festive surprises with you this month.

Firstly our classes for 2025 – We have an exciting range of skill building classes lined up. These begin in February and will include making garments, learning interlocking crochet, reversible mosaic, entrelac and tunisian in the round – just to name a few.

Take a look at what’s available here – we are loading up all the details for bookings in the coming weeks.

The planning for our coveted Crochet Tournament is also well underway. Once again we have three designers involved for 3 stages. Keep an eye out for our sneak peaks coming soon!

And of course we can’t go past our Crochet Retreats – Sunshine Coast is now fully booked and the Hunter Valley is not far behind! So if you are thinking about it, jump on board now to secure your spot.

Sadly the colours in Babylo thread continue to be reduced. We have been advised of several more colours being discontinued – you can see these noted on the colour chart with the product.

Jordan has now left us to pursue job opportunities in line with her future in the legal profession and there is once again an opportunity for someone looking for a part time job. We are looking for somebody who can commit to 3 days a week with some flexibility to assist in the store with orders, stock management and office administration and who can talk to customers about crochet! If that’s you and live here on the Sunshine Coast we would love to chat with you.

Our last class for 2024 kicks off next week – we will be making this cute Gnome designed by Live Love Crochet Shaz – if you can’t make the class the pattern is also now available.

Our theme this month is looking at what’s trending to help you get a head start on planning your 2025 crochet goals.

Until next time

Lynda

Theme— Crafting the Future: 2025 Trends Stitched from History

Crochet has an amazingly rich history – evolving from a practical craft to a beloved form of creative expression and a way to connect with others. Today, it is enjoying a major resurgence, blending traditional techniques with modern trends. As we begin to get ready for the new year, we wanted to explore crochet’s fascinating history, highlight timeless styles that are making a comeback, and share what is trending to inspire your crochet plans for 2025.

The History and Revival of Crochet

The origins of crochet have remained surprisingly elusive, with little historical documentation compared to other fibre arts, resulting in many different theories of how it emerged. However, we do know:

Evidence of crocheting has been found dating as far back as the 16th Century in Europe, China, Arabia and South America. Crocheted fabrics decay with age, but we do know that some of the oldest samples of yarn have been estimated to be up to 7000 years old!
Tribal communities used crochet for practical purposes, like clothing and tools, before moving on to more decorative uses, such as adornments used in ceremonial rituals.
Crochet, as we recognise it today, emerged in the 19th century and may have evolved from tambour embroidery, a chain-stitch technique popular in the 1700s. By the early 1800s, it gained popularity across Europe under the name “shepherd’s knitting.”
Its significance grew during the Irish Potato Famine (1845–1852), when Irish women crocheted lace to support their families. At that time, crochet was dismissed by the wealthy as a lower-class craft—until Queen Victoria began wearing Irish crochet lace and even learned to crochet herself! This royal endorsement elevated crochet to a status symbol in Victorian society.
By the mid 1800s crochet became more accessible thanks to the publication of pattern books.
During both World Wars, it was promoted as a way to support soldiers by making them socks, gloves, and hats. The craft then exploded in popularity during the 1960s and 70s and has since been passed down through the generations.

Crochet Today

Fast forward to today and crochet has regained immense popularity. What is super exciting for us is that the craft continues to evolve, with innovative styles, techniques, and applications emerging on a regular basis. In fact, we love being constantly inspired by the creativity and love our customers put into their projects!

Reviving the Past and Looking Ahead

Traditional crochet styles are finding a new life in the modern crafting scene:

Making a Comeback:

Trending in 2025:

1. Granny squares

2. Amigurumi

3. Crochet lace

4. Filet crochet

5. Tapestry & mosaic crochet

6. Chunky & oversized crochet

7. Crochet bags

8. Wearable crochet fashion

1. Oversized granny square cardigans and two-piece clothing sets

2. Book covers

3. Lightweight & eco-friendly yarn

4. Textured and Surface crochet

5. No-sew amigurumi

6. Bags: totes, bum bags, handbags, market bags

7. Water bottle holders/slings

8. Floral motif blankets & cushion covers, beadspreads and wall hangings

We can’t wait to see how you bring your unique touch to this ever-evolving craft in 2025!

To kick off your new year trendy projects, here is a free pattern for a Granny Square Cushion by pattern designer, Annemarie Benthem. It’s made with a 4 ply 100% cotton (hello, Fiddlesticks Posie!) and a 2.5mm hook. Happy crocheting!

Book of the Month

Crochet Compendium

Edited by Connie Ellison.ﾠ This edition combines the best selling technique books into the ultimate reference book, great for newcomers and expert crocheters alike!ﾠ Beginners can learn to crochet with the basics section that begins with the slip knot and each lesson gradually builds upon the other.ﾠ Experts will love the 16 advanced techniques ranging from hairpin lace, broomstick, beading, double-ended crochet, felting, filet, crocheting with fabric, mosaic crochet, intarsia, slip stitch crochet, socks, Tunisian, waffle weave and wiggly crochet.ﾠ Each technique features full-color illustrations, step-by-step instructions and a practice project.ﾠ A must have for every crochet library!ﾠ 136 pages. US terminology

Buy